Dr. Ross Norman Highton – Dentist | Windsor, ON

Dr. Ross Norman Highton is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Dental Health Centre in Windsor, ON, Dr. Highton is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Highton is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Highton provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Highton also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment.

Dr. Ross Norman Highton earned a Dental Degree from University Of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, graduating in 1972. With over 51 years of practice since 1974, Dr. Highton offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: Minimal Nitrous; N/A. Dr. Highton is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Highton serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Dental Health Centre.

Key aspects of Dr. Highton's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Highton provides consultations in English.

Dr. Ross Norman Highton provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

Gag Reflex Management

• Difficulty with Dental Procedures Due to Severe Gag Reflex: Experiencing a hyperactive or severe gag reflex that significantly interferes with routine dental examinations, X-rays, impressions, or treatments.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Highton. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• Smile Makeovers (Comprehensive Cosmetic Treatment Planning): Customized combination of various advanced cosmetic treatments designed to address all aspects of your smile's appearance, from tooth color and shape to alignment and gum display.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Highton. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Ross Norman Highton adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Dental Health Centre, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Highton frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation is a primary concern, Dr. Highton focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
• Dr. Highton often consults with patients whose noticing their gums seemed to be receding or pulling away from their teeth, making teeth look longer significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist) and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• With Dr. Highton's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma is focused on achieving their teeth feeling more stable and their bite more aligned after corrective treatment. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their child being able to participate in classroom activities without dental distractions without dental concerns.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach is a common journey for patients under Dr. Highton's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry, so that daily routines and pleasures like actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern become straightforward again.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Highton, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Highton is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Dental Health Centre, where Dr. Highton practices, is situated in the South Central Windsor neighborhood of Windsor. The clinic is conveniently located near WFCU Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Transit Windsor. Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Highton?

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Highton for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Dental Health Centre.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Highton at Dental Health Centre?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Highton and the team at Dental Health Centre will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Highton will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Highton for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Highton will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Highton's specific recommendation.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Highton typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Highton is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Highton also provides patient education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Highton may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Highton will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Highton offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Highton understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, Dental Health Centre offers various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Highton during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

Dental Health Centre
3475 North Service Rd suite A
Windsor, ON, N8W 5R7

Phone: (519) 258-5912

Dr. Ross Norman Highton is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 7820

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=7820

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Highton and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.